Days after the Afghan Taliban released thousands of militants belonging to the Pakistan Taliban (TTP), who were locked up in Afghan jails, Pakistan on Friday said it would ask the incoming government in Kabul to act against the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Addressing a press conference on Friday, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhary, the spokesperson of the Foreign Office, said they would ask the future government in Kabul to ensure no space should be provided to the TTP to “operate against Pakistan.” The country, he said, had been raising the issue with the previous government in Afghanistan as well. 

“We have seen some media reports in this regard (release of the leaders of the TTP). We have (opposed) and continue to oppose support for any individual or any proscribed groups that remained involved in terrorist activities inside Pakistan.”

The videos of Maulavi Faqir Mohammed, the former deputy leader of the TTP and one among those released by the Afghan Taliban, went viral on social media platforms, showing him somewhere around the eastern province of Kunar in Afghanistan. 

Meanwhile, Noor Wali Mahsud, the leader of the TTP, released a statement, reiterating the group’s allegiance to Habaitullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the Afghan Taliban. He also praised the victory of the Afghan Taliban over the US and the NATO troops. 

Commenting on the issue, Hafeez said, “We hope that once the new government is formed in Afghanistan, it will take strict measures to ensure that their soil is not used against other countries.” 

He said the border crossing points between Pakistan and Afghanistan were currently open, both for transit trade and travel.

Islamabad also noted the recent statements made by the Taliban’s spokesperson with regards to not letting Afghanistan become a terrorist haven against other countries was a positive indication.

The TTP has been regrouping for the last two years, merging several splitters groups--posing a national security challenge to Pakistan. The group has recently stepped their activities in Pakistan, increasing the attacks and casualties among Pakistan security forces. 

Significantly, the TTP is closely aligned with al-Qaeda and had provided safe heaven and shelters to its operatives when they were driven out of Afghanistan after the US invaded Afghanistan. 

(SAM)